EXCLUSIVE: CelebMix chats with Samantha LaPorta

If you’re a fan of Radio Disney, then chances are you’re already well acquainted with rising star Samantha LaPorta.

Since the release of her latest single ‘Own The Night’, the 16-year old has been a staple part of the Radio Disney playlist, with the track being the most requested song of the week for four weeks in a row. The song was also recently chosen to be on a MLB (Major League Baseball) highlight mashup sizzle reel.

We recently had the chance to quiz Samantha about ‘Own The Night’, her Radio Disney success, staying grounded and much more.

Welcome to CelebMix Samantha! First off, please introduce yourself to our readers with an unusual fact about yourself.

Hi! I’m Samantha LaPorta and I live in Pensacola, FL; in a very rural area with some of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S.

Congratulations on your latest single ‘Own The Night’. What has the response been like so far?

The response has been great! It’s one of the top requested song by fans on Radio Disney’s Total Request Now.

Can you tell us a bit about the song and the inspiration behind it?

I wanted to capture the energy of the summer vibe, hanging with friends into the night…

The track encourages us to live life to the full and experience things outside of the social media bubble. How important was it for you to release a song with such a strong message?

It’s incredibly important that kids have a track like ‘Own the Night’ that helps them escape the daily routine of being on their phones and on social media and encourages them to just let loose.

You’ve released a lyric video for the song, are there any plans for an official video?

I have lots of ideas for a video but we are still deciding on putting one together. Stay tuned.

‘Own The Night’ has achieved some incredible stuff on Radio Disney. How does it feel to have such support from them?

Being part of the Disney family means so much to me. The fans are amazing. Having OTN requested by fans and move up the charts is awesome and then to be asked to do the Radio Disney- MLB Mashup is very exciting as well. This whole feeling is like a dream come true!!

The track was also recently chosen to be on a MLB highlight reel – I imagine it must feel quite surreal to hear your song played in various situations?

I love the PlayBall segment super cool mashup. I’ve heard from fans around the world who love it and it’s also playing at MLB games as well.

You’ll be attending the Radio Disney Music Awards this weekend, are you looking forward?

The Radio Disney Music Awards are the best. Last year I met so many artists. This year I’m excited to see Janet Jackson and all the other artists that I follow throughout the year on Radio Disney. It’s my favorite day of the year!!!

You’re 16 years old and growing up in a very pressurized industry. How do you stay grounded?

I have two amazing parents that keep me grounded and friends that have never changed how they treat me, no matter if I’m on the radio or not.

You take inspiration from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Rihanna and Bruno Mars. What is it about those artists that inspires you musically?

I love that they all write their songs and I am a big fan of their vocals. It inspires to work that much harder.

You’ve been writing a lot out in LA. How has the city influenced your songwriting?

I love the energy of LA. I try to feel that same vibe in my songs. There’s something about writing in perfect weather and surrounded by so much music royalty in Hollywood.

What can we expect from you in the future music-wise? Are you working towards an EP or an album?

I’m in the studio now working on new music always trying to create something new and exciting. The plan is to eventually put together an EP for my fans.

What would be your biggest achievement as an artist?

Hearing myself on Radio Disney and then hearing Taylor Swift come on right after me is pretty surreal.

Finally, do you have a message for your fans?

I love hearing from my fans on social media and responding to them and the way they connect with my music. I look forward to getting on the road and meeting them in person in their city!